Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of retrofitting datacenter cabling, comprising: accessing a datacenter cabling arrangement that comprises: a first transceiver comprising an optical transceiver, the first transceiver including a first end engaged in a first network port, the first transceiver further including a second end receiving a single plug of a break-out cable, the break-out cable extending from the single plug to a plurality of connectors; and a patch panel having a first side receiving the plurality of connectors from the break-out cable, the patch panel further having a second side connected to the first side for conveying data between the plurality of connectors and one or more transceivers coupled to the second side via cabling, the one or more transceivers being respectively received in one or more other network ports; and eliminating the patch panel from the cabling arrangement by: replacing the first transceiver with a different transceiver that comprises another optical transceiver, the different transceiver including another first end configured to engage the first network port, the different transceiver further including a different second end with a receiving port configured to receive four independently releasable connectors; communicatively coupling the different transceiver with said one or more other network ports by: routing other cabling that extends from at least one of the four independently releasable connectors received in the different transceiver to at least one of said one or more transceivers received in said one or more other network ports; or replacing a number of said one or more transceivers received in said one or more other network ports with the number of other transceivers and routing different cabling that extends from at least one of the four independently releasable connectors received in the different transceiver to at least one of said number of other transceivers; and removing the patch panel.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first transceiver and the different transceiver are each a type of transceiver selected from among a group including QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP56-DD, and OSFP.
This invention relates to high-speed data communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and converting optical signals between different transceiver types in data centers and networking equipment. The method involves a system that includes a first transceiver and a different transceiver, each capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals. The transceivers are selected from a group of high-speed optical transceiver standards, including QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable), QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP56-DD, and OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable). The system facilitates signal conversion between these transceivers, ensuring compatibility and seamless data transmission across different network interfaces. The method enables flexible deployment of optical transceivers in data centers, allowing for upgrades and interoperability between varying generations of transceiver technology. This approach optimizes network performance by supporting high-speed data rates while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure. The solution is particularly useful in environments requiring scalable and adaptable optical communication systems.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the single plug of the breakout cable is permanently or fixedly mounted to the first transceiver.
A breakout cable system is designed to simplify the connection of multiple data transmission lines from a single transceiver. The system addresses the challenge of managing multiple cables in high-density networking environments, where traditional solutions require separate connections for each line, leading to clutter and installation complexity. The breakout cable includes a single plug at one end that is permanently or fixedly attached to a first transceiver. This plug connects to a multi-line cable that splits into multiple individual lines at the opposite end, each terminating in a separate connector. The fixed attachment ensures a secure and reliable connection between the transceiver and the breakout cable, reducing the risk of disconnection or signal degradation. The multi-line cable may include multiple optical fibers or electrical conductors, depending on the application, and the individual connectors at the split end are compatible with corresponding ports on other transceivers or networking equipment. This design minimizes cable management issues while maintaining signal integrity and simplifying installation in data centers or other high-density networking environments.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the single plug of the breakout cable is releasably attached to the first transceiver.
A breakout cable system is designed to simplify the connection of multiple data transmission lines to a single transceiver. The problem addressed is the complexity and inefficiency of traditional multi-line connections, which often require separate plugs for each line, leading to clutter and potential connection errors. The invention provides a breakout cable with a single plug that can be releasably attached to a transceiver, eliminating the need for multiple individual connections. This single plug is designed to interface with the transceiver, allowing for the simultaneous transmission of multiple data lines through a single, streamlined connection. The breakout cable splits into multiple lines on the opposite end, each terminating in a separate connector for individual devices or components. The releasable attachment ensures easy installation, removal, and maintenance, reducing downtime and improving reliability. The system is particularly useful in high-density networking environments where space and efficiency are critical, such as data centers or telecommunications hubs. The invention enhances connectivity by reducing physical clutter, minimizing connection errors, and improving overall system organization.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the single plug of the breakout cable has a duplex form factor such that the second end of the first transceiver includes two openings.
A method for improving connectivity in data transmission systems addresses the challenge of efficiently managing multiple data channels through a single plug interface. The method involves using a breakout cable with a single plug that has a duplex form factor, allowing it to connect to a transceiver with two openings at its second end. This design enables the breakout cable to split a single high-speed data channel into multiple lower-speed channels, simplifying cable management and reducing clutter in high-density networking environments. The duplex form factor ensures compatibility with standard transceiver interfaces while supporting simultaneous data transmission across multiple channels. The method enhances scalability and flexibility in network configurations by consolidating multiple connections into a single plug, reducing the need for additional ports and cabling. This approach is particularly useful in data centers and high-performance computing environments where efficient space utilization and streamlined connectivity are critical. The breakout cable's design minimizes signal interference and ensures reliable data transmission by maintaining proper channel separation and impedance matching. The method optimizes network performance by reducing latency and improving signal integrity, making it suitable for applications requiring high bandwidth and low-loss data transmission.
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April 14, 2020
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